On the Clock: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (#19 Overall)

The Buccaneers have always been a staple of solid defense and a power run game. However, their defense is aging rapidly and their power run game as stuttered the past couple years. To make matters worse, the Bucs have lost their starting QB Jeff Garcia and head coach Jon Gruden. The Bucs need to be wise with this pick, but one first round draft pick won’t solve all their problems.

Choice #1: Brian Cushing, LB, USC

This past offseason, the Bucs lost future Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks and former starter Cato June at the linebacking position. They need to re-fuel. Brian Cushing is a solid, all around linebacker that works hard and is a good fit in theTampa 2 defense. Cushing is experienced, playing all 4 years for a very good defense at USC. He notched 74 tackles last season when the USC was ranked 1 number in defense in the nation. Cushing isn’t the sexiest pick, but he is safe and can play this season.

Choice #2: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

Name a Buccaneers defensive tackle. I bet you can’t do it. Ever since Warren Sapp left in 2003, the Bucs haven’t had an intimidating force in the middle of their defensive line. Jerry draws many similar comparisons to Sapp. Both are 6 foot 2 and 300 pounds. Jerry has the ability to stop the run and penetrate, disrupting the backfield. Either way, if a quarterback is not available at the 19th spot, the Bucs should and will go defense.